The Vegetarian Chili at Columbia Harbor House across the “street” from the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom has always been my favorite vegan staple in WDW. I always, of course, ask the Cast Member working the podium for the list of ingredients at the start of each trip, but to my knowledge it is, and always will be, vegan.

Now, when I’m reminiscing about my past WDW vacations, I often start thinking about the food that I love so much. Pairing the Vegetarian Chili from here with some french fries is one of my favorite past times, so I try to recreated this delectable food combination at home. Here’s my favorite chili recipe I came up with while trying to replicate the one at Columbia Harbor House!

Angie’s Columbia Harbor House Vegan Chili Recipe

1 can black, rinsed and drained

1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can sweet corn, rinsed and drained

2 chopped tomatoes (large)

1 onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, diced

1/2 green pepper, diced

1/2 red pepper, diced

4-5 mushrooms sliced (I actually leave these out because I don’t like them…)

1 can olives, drained and sliced

1 or 2 celery stalks diced

2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup water

2 tbsp chili powder

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp pepper

(I also use broccoli, but the Columbia Harbor House version doesn’t, so at CHH I just order a side of broccoli and add it in sometimes!)

In a medium to large soup pot, sautee the onion and peppers until slightly brown in olive oil. Add the garlic.

Once you really start to smell that garlic, add in the celery, corn, olives, and mushrooms. Stir around frequently until everything starts to become slightly soft – about 10 minutes.

Add tomatoes,water, and chili powder, salt, pepper, and stir. (Don’t worry if it looks like there isn’t enough water… once it simmers, all the juices start to come out!)

Reduce heat to medium low and add beans. Stir occasionally, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes!

Makes about 8 servings. (or 5-6 large meals) Serve it up with some french fries for that true WDW counter service feeling!

Angie has been a WDW addict since her first visit at age 8, and since then her life has never been the same! She lives in New Bedford, MA with her 3 dogs, Flip, Josie, and Hildy, where she currently owns Zen Dog Training and is a professional dog trainer. Please join Angie every week in “Fish Are Friends, Not Food: Eating Vegan in WDW!” Angie believes that WDW is the most magical place for people with special diets, so, should you have any special diet questions (especially about vegan and gluten-free dining) she’d be happy to help! Angie is also an artist, and you can see her work at www.angiecarreiro.com!

Disclaimer: This blog post, and all past and future Fish Are Friends, Not Food blog posts, are written with my most recent knowledge of the food in WDW parks. Please note that things are constantly changing, so this information might not always be up to date. Also note that I do not take into consideration refined sugar, cross contamination, or impure food items. With that said, always ask a chef before ordering if you are unsure about something, because the recipe may have changed or you may have a different way of defining your vegan lifestyle.

]]>http://www.wdwradio.com/2013/07/fish-are-friends-not-food-columbia-harbor-house-vegetarian-chili-recipe/feed/9Fish Are Friends, Not Food: Magic Kingdom 1-Day Vegan Itineraryhttp://www.wdwradio.com/2013/02/fish-are-friends-not-food-magic-kingdom-1-day-vegan-itinerary/
http://www.wdwradio.com/2013/02/fish-are-friends-not-food-magic-kingdom-1-day-vegan-itinerary/#commentsFri, 22 Feb 2013 14:51:15 +0000http://www.wdwradio.com/?p=23695The term “Meatless Monday” was part of an international campaign designed to encourage people to […]

The term “Meatless Monday” was part of an international campaign designed to encourage people to start their week off in a way that was healthy for their bodies and the planet. It has a lot of history behind it, but the basic idea is that you don’t eat meat for one day out of the week!

This concept inspired me with an idea for an interesting recurring segment for “Fish are Friends, Not Food.” So, in upcoming posts I will be developing 1-day meatless-itineraries for those who either already don’t eat meat, but don’t know what to get in the parks, or for those who DO eat meat, but are interested in challenging themselves to one meatless day in the parks! I will give multiple options for each meal, in case your preferences are different. I’m keeping each section limited to 3 options, so that I can make a printable “pocket” itinerary for all of you vegan diners in the parks!

Each restaurant will be labeled CS (counter service) or TS (table service) appropriately. At counter service locations, the ordering process involves waiting in line at a podium, ordering your food with a cast member, waiting for your order at a counter, and bringing the meal to an available table to sit down to eat. A table service location is more similar to a restaurant and involves being seated, and served at your table. You may need to make an advance dining reservation to dine at TS locations and tip your server’s!

So, let’s start with the park that most people start everything with; Magic Kingdom!

Breakfast

Crystal Palace - TS, (to the left off of Main St) & 2. Cinderella’s Royal Table- TS, (in Cinderella’s Castle!) Both restaurants are buffets and will have similar options for vegans. Buffets are good options for picky eaters. A chef will take you around the buffet to show you what options are good for you! You will find cereal, oatmeal, soy milk, rice milk, coffee, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, and make sure you talk to a chef who will most definitely prepare you your own vegan, allergy-friendly Mickey Waffles!

Another option may be to eat in your resort cafeteria where you will find the same options listed above.

Lunch

Columbia Harbor House- CS, Liberty Square- CHILI!Please, please, please get a cup chili! It has mushrooms, (but they are big enough to pick out if you don’t like them),olives, beans, peppers, onions, and, well, so much more! Depending on how hungry you are, you can add a side of steamed broccoli and/or french fries (I always do!).

Be Our Guest- CS, New Fantasyland-Try the Quinoa, Shallot, and Chive Salad which has green beans, potatoes, olives, roasted bell peppers, and tomatoes!

Columbia Harbor House (again)! CS, Liberty Square- Try the Lighthouse sandwich, which comes with hummus with tomato and broccoli slaw. The Slaw has dairy, so ask them to substitute it with regular steamed broccoli and an allergy-friendly sandwich bun!

Snack

Just can’t wait until dinner to eat again? Stop by the Fantasyland Pretzel Wagon for a pretzel!

Or head over to The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor at the end of Main St near the castle and ask for a cup of Tofutti or Rice Dream Ice Cream!

Dinner

Tony’s Town Square -TS, Located at the beginning of Main St (on your right if you are facing the castle) Let them know you’re vegan and the chef will cook you up a special pasta dish with vegetables and garlic sauce, or just marinara or tomato sauce! The pasta is served with a house salad on the side, so order Italian dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, or oil and vinegar with this. For dessert you can order tofutti ice cream, sorbet, or rice dream ice cream.

Be Our Guest Restaurant- TS, Located in the New Fantasyland Expansion! Try the vegan Ratatouille! It’s oven-baked Zucchini, Eggplant, Mushrooms, and Caramelized Onions sliced and layered on Quinoa served with Bell Pepper Salsa.

Liberty Tree Tavern- TS, Liberty Square-Apparently they have a delicious veggie burger here that can be made vegan upon request. Get it with the allergy-friendly bun and toppings!

Snack

Stop by the popcorn cart at the end of Main St and stroll towards the castle while you munch away on hot, fresh popcorn!

<<(Here’s a pocket guide of the above information for you to print out and take along with you on your next WDW vacation!)

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave them in the comments below, please!

Angie has been a WDW addict since her first visit at age 8, and since then her life has never been the same! She lives in southeastern MA with her boyfriend, Kevin (fellow Disney lover), and their 3 dogs, Flip, Josie, and Hildy, where she is currently training to become a professional dog trainer. Please join Angie every week in “Fish Are Friends, Not Food: Eating Vegan in WDW!” Angie believes that WDW is the most magical place for people with special diets, so, should you have any special diet questions (especially about vegan and gluten-free dining) she’d be happy to help! Angie is also an artist, and you can see her work at www.angiecarreiro.com!

Disclaimer: This blog post, and all past and future Fish Are Friends, Not Food blog posts, are written with my most recent knowledge of the food in WDW parks. Please note that things are constantly changing, so this information might not always be up to date. Also note that I do not take into consideration refined sugar, cross contamination, or impure food items. With that said, always ask a chef before ordering if you are unsure about something, because the recipe may have changed or you may have a different way of defining your vegan lifestyle.